Bright Morning Stars

"I wanted to get back to the simplicity of life by connecting with the source," says Cindy Wasserman who with Frank Lee Drennen is Dead Rock West. The pair collected the old time spirituals of Blind Willie Johnson, the contemporary gospel of the Staple Singers, and a desperate plea by the Jesus & Mary Chain, plus six more songs of strength and hope, with the help of producer Peter Case. Joining Dead Rock West with the voices of their talented mentors and friends - John Doe, Exene Cervenka and Mark Olson - the result sounds like some of the best hill stomping music you'll hear west of Texarkana. And yet, "This is a total California spirituals record," says Drennen. "made by California musicians."